Curriculum Statement
Any Sound Is Music!
Here at BBAB Music we are passionate about inspiring our young students in pursuing a future career within the music industry. We aim to do this by following a free form approach of music, adopting the philosophy that any sound is music. The curriculum is split into five imperative areas of music to ensure that we offer a holistic curriculum designed to inspire our students in this field. The five areas of music we explore are: Music Theory, Music Technology, Instrumentation, Musical History and DJ’ing. In addition to this, we are always motivating students to showcase their hard work through live performances, be it in the classroom or on stage with their peers. Our department has focused on collaborating with third party companies to further develop a more bespoke curriculum, introducing more students into the world of DJing with students achieving up to a Level 6 accredited qualification. Furthermore, we are incorporating extracurricular activities through introducing bespoke workshops such as African drumming and even opportunities for student to take additional instrument-based lessons with Bexley Music.
Intent
It is imperative that all students are presented with equal opportunities and the ability to pursue their passion in music, this is only possible through facilitating a positive working environment, Inspiring creativity and present new opportunities as well as career pathways which may not have previously been made apparent to the student, this encourages students to thrive and flourish within an educational setting as they learn and develop completely new skills.
Implementation
Implementing methods of collating evidence accurately as well as developing and designing differentiated resources in order to assist and facilitate students learning no matter their individual ability level. Ensuring to have strong knowledge of the curriculum offer and understanding the strengths and weaknesses of students will help inform judgement and decision making throughout the year in order to achieve the best possible results.
Impact
Music at BBAB offers a range of new skills that will prove beneficial to every student. Opportunities such as developing their teamwork, articulation, dexterity, reading ability, communication and confidence are all key character traits which will have a huge benefit to those students who suffer from SEMH. By increasing the curriculum offer with NCFE level 2 in Music Technology, Pearson’s Level 3 in Music Technology, up to Level 3 in Noise academy DJ Awards affiliated with AQA, along with a primary focus on music theory in order to ensure that we offer a holistic curriculum that breeds musicians into pursuing a future career within Music.
NCFE Level 2
When students choose to pursue a level 2 qualification in music technology, they will be introduced to a range of technologies and theories within music surrounding composition, recording techniques, file management, Music theory, Djing as well as mixing and mastering. Students will be required to complete a minimum of 4 of the following units to achieve the level 2 qualification, however have the opportunity to achieve the Level 2 Extended qualification by completing a total of 8 of the following units over the 2-year course.
- Set up and operate audio/MIDI sequencing software - This unit is about using modern sequencing to realise musical ideas. It explores the differences between sequencing using audio samples and MIDI (or virtual instrument) sequencing, and how the two can be combined to create music.
- Creating Music - Through using modern audio/MIDI sequencing software to realise musical ideas. Learners should have access to the expertise necessary to set up and operate the software. This unit focuses on the creative and effective (ie musically agreeable) exploitation of the software to create music.
- Using DJ Skills - Designed to develop learners’ DJ techniques. Learners will demonstrate an understanding of the equipment used by modern DJs, and use DJ equipment to perform a set to an audience.
- Dance Music Production - An introduction to dance music production skills through an exploration of the background, technology and production techniques used in modern popular dance music. Learners will investigate a range of dance music styles and will examine factors that have influenced their development and apply their findings to their own compositions.
- Audio Editing - Editing mono and/or stereo audio files using software. Learners will carry out a range of editing operations to create a range of useful audio files, including loops. Learners will be expected to distinguish between different audio formats, show some understanding of audio waveform displays and know the key editing functions of the software they are using.
- Location Recording – Offers learners the opportunity to source their own original sounds, sound-scapes, and FX for themselves by sourcing these sounds from natural objects/places within the real world.
- Multi-track audio recording – This unit is about making multi-track recordings using microphones, mixing equipment and recording devices or software. It covers setting up the equipment required for a recording session, and effectively recording multiple audio sources.
- Multi-track sound mixing techniques – Exploring a range of mixing techniques used by professionals, encouraging learners to refine their abilities and gain a greater understanding of a variety of plug-ins.
- Sound and Music Production - The unit provides a simple overview of sound and acoustics and requires learners to develop a familiarity with some of the technical terminology used.
- Sound Effects techniques for Music Production - This unit is about the production of sound effects for use in music or sound production activity. Learners will explore sound effect production techniques and then apply that knowledge to the creation of a range of sound effects for a music or other sound product (advert, podcast, audiobook etc).
- Microphones use in Music Production – Students will learn all about the purposes and uses of a variety of different microphones as well as develop their understanding of how to capture audio effectively using a range of recording techniques.
Students will understand all of the skills and principles to work freelance or as part of a business. They will be able to work in a range of musical areas such as live events, radio, music studio, sound engineering and music journalism, to name a few. Students can of course continue on to further develop their musical knowledge and understanding by pursuing our Level 3 Music Technology course.
AQA GCSE Music
As our department continues to improve and grow, so does our curriculum offer as we are now offering GCSE Music for the first time in BBAB history. Students will explore new genres and styles of music ranging from Western classical (C. 1650-1910), Popular, Traditional and western classical music and its impact in the modern world since C. 1910. This area of study will present opportunities for students to develop and improve upon their skills as they gain a greater understanding and appreciation for music and its rich cultural history.
Another area of study where students can excel within this course is in performance, as students explore the fundamentals of music, playing styles, cultural influences and impact that music has had over centuries. Students will be required to show case their talents over two separate performances lasting a total of 4 minutes.
Finally, the third area of study is based around composition, this presents the opportunity for students to become artists, using the knowledge that they have gained, they will be able to compose their own form of music in any style they choose, contributing to the ever-growing landscape of music and its unwavering influence on us all. Students will have the freedom to express themselves and be creative in a nurturing environment where there are no wrong answers.
Pearson’s Level 3
In years 12 and 13 students will be studying the BTEC Level 3 in Music Technology. They will be learning advanced mixing and mastering techniques so that they can confidently conduct a session in high-end music studios across the globe. This is completely designed to help students find their niche in an evolving, dynamic industry where updates and new releases are rife. We have had great successes in the past with students getting professional work as music producers and sound engineers.
- Studio Recording Techniques - equipment and processes used to record music in a studio and experiment with microphone choice and placement. You will plan and make multitrack recordings of different instruments using studio equipment.
- Music to Media - explore a range of music and sound creation scenarios that might exist in a typical portfolio for someone working in the music industry. You will create and produce music for games, films and apps, as well as create original sounds, noises and effects to support interactivity and action.
- DAW production - Explore how the features of a DAW can be used to create and develop your own music. You will understand some of the background principals of how a DAW works, along with the associated specialist and technical terms.
- Mixing and Mastering Techniques - gain experience in mixing down and mastering multitrack digital audio workstation (DAW) projects. You will also realise a sonic vision for a DAW project to achieve a desired sound.
Uesful Website Links
To view our curriculum maps for Music, please click here.
To view our knowledge orangisers for Music, please click below:
